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Home » Forums » General Discussion

honey bee leg pouch

Is the pouch on honey bees leg clear - allowing a visual on what they've collected, or is this pollen stored on the outside of the leg?
Thanks!
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Contributed by Matt Edmonds on 23 February, 2009 - 12:25pm

Corbicula
It is a pollen basket, called corbicula, made of rows of strong setae. It is on the outside of the leg, the pollen is compacted by being mixed with saliva and nectar. Bumblebees also have corbiculae. Other bees collect loose pollen in hairy baskets called scopa, either on the back legs or the abdomen. See the difference between scopa and corbicula here
… Beatriz Moisset, 23 February, 2009 - 2:27pm login or register to post comments

 
Wow.
That is just a totally 'awesome' explanation, Beatriz! Nice work:-) I was getting all set to explain how bees have to go through airport security now, too, and their "carry-ons" have to be inspected:-)
… Eric R. Eaton, 23 February, 2009 - 3:25pm login or register to post comments

 
ahhhhhh very neat!
Thanks Beatriz! One more question... so the pollen is pressed there by the front legs? (after being scraped off the body / head)
Thanks so much.

matt
… Matt Edmonds, 23 February, 2009 - 2:52pm login or register to post comments

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